21. Seth
Seth
Setting up for Cali's date was easy. It's the most confident I've ever felt setting up a date for anyone.
I called Papa, the omega of my family's pack, and asked him what he thought of the idea.
He'd said it sounded good, but to add soft places and warm layers for Cali.
Plus some warm drinks to bring. That was sound advice that I hadn't thought of.
Alphas don't crave warmth and softness like omegas do.
Alpha bodies are built and regulated differently, so we're never as cold.
But I should layer as much warmth as possible for this date, especially considering the location.
I think I've done well. It could be overkill, especially after the things I'd ordered after talking to Papa.
Cali tried to drag the date details out of me over text.
It was so adorable to imagine her frustrated scowl.
But it was a tradition that alphas planned all dates, especially the first ones during courtship.
She'd asked what she should wear, and I told her to wear something warm.
When she opens the door, I'm glad to see she's followed my advice.
She wears a long knit sweater dress that crisscrosses in the front and dips low, giving me a fantastic view, especially considering I tower over her.
I don't look away. I won't pretend that my omega is anything less than stunning.
"Hi," Cali says. She's tamed her beautiful, wild auburn curls and clipped up the left half of her hair with a sparkling claw.
"Hi." I smile and bend down to kiss her trying to keep myself from bouncing.
It's soft and sweet, and when we pull back, we're both grinning like idiots.
I lead her to my Jeep and open the door, ensuring she's fully bundled in before shutting it.
In northern Michigan, in the dead of winter, the sunset is around five in the evening, so when I pick her up at seven, it's already pitch black.
The weather is clear, with no clouds in sight, and only a half-moon hangs in the air.
We drive along the lake, taking the Peninsula's west coast down. Finally, we come to a pull-off. I help Cali out of the car, and she shivers in the cool night air. I grab a blanket from the back seat and wrap it around her shoulders.
"It's just a little beyond these trees," I promise her.
"What is?" she asks, smiling up at me, and damn if that smile doesn't suck the soul right out of my body.
I wink at her, teasing. "Surprises will not be spoiled tonight, Precious."
We take a thin trail that cuts through a wooded area. Looking back, I see she's struggling with walking and the blanket, so I do the only thing I can think of. I lift her into my arms. She gives a small squeak and lightly whacks me on the chest.
"I can walk." She says.
"I know you can, but why should you do it when I love having an excuse to touch you?" She blushes prettily but grins up at me. I can't help leaning my face down and scent marking her cheek with mine. She nuzzles me right back.
We finally break through the tree line, and Cali gasps.